2016 Racing Schedule

Friday, September 15, 2006

The Perfect Mile (Neal Bascomb)

While running Superior last week; I, Maria, Jerry and Stuart were speaking of Dean K and Pam Reed. We all had read Ultramarathon Man and enjoyed it, I was giving a recap of the Pam Reed book and then stated I had finished reading The Perfect Mile by Neal Bascomb. Jerry was in the process of reading the title, so I didn't give too much away.

This is a National Bestseller, it gives one hope and that feeling "YES, I CAN DEFY ALL ODDS". I think that is why it is a Bestseller. Who doesn't want to feel hopeful..and you know, if he/she/they can do it..why can't I?

That's the feeling I get whenever someone will tell me they can't run or they can't quit smoking or they can't lose weight. HELLO! If I can, you can too.

This story took me much longer to read than the last two. The story is very very indepth. I really came to know Wes Santee, a Kansas farm boy; Roger Bannister, an English medical student and John Landy, an Australian rich boy.

The three men were out to break the 4 minute mile barrier. This story tells of their lives as children, high school students and college/military men. We learn of their coaches and their training procedures, their Olympic dreams and battles, their races against one another.

I found myself wanting Wes, the Kansas boy, to be the first to break the 4 minute mile. He truly believed he could. He had no doubt.

This story takes place in the early 1950's; before steroids and such were invented. They plain old eat well and work hard. It's an amazing story.

One by one, each man gets closer to the 4 minute mile barrier. Each man breaks the barrier..again and again they chisel away at it. It makes the reader realize that we set our own limitations. If we open our minds to what we really want, and to what we really believe..be careful..you might just get it!

2 comments:

Great story, Juli. ESPN ran a two hour movie on Roger Bannister's effort last year. They touched on the other two competitors but focused on Bannister, his interests and foibles. I enjoyed it, though I don't think the broader public (translated: non running) got into it.

Saw your post at robtherunner and realized I hadn't told you I was running Portland Marathon, with Rob and friends, the same day you run TCM. We'll compare notes!!

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20 years ago in the haze of a hangover I read Oprah's Make The Connection. It changed my life. I lost the fat, I put down the booze, began eating in a healthy manner, began to walk, then run. Run On! I first began running marathons. Liked it so much I found some crazy ultra runners in MN who showed me the trail and ultramarathons. 50 marathons and 80 ultra marathons later ( 20 100 mile ultramarathons) I am sober, lean and happy. I am now inspiring others to run, as Oprah inspired me. Coaching beginning runners is a gift I like to give every day. It's not just about running..it's about all that comes with it: goal setting, empowerment, a belief in oneself, being true to oneself. 2007 brought 4 100 mile finishes, 2008 brought 4 100 mile finishes, a BQ and PR at TCM, a PR at the 100 mile trail distance at Javelina Jundred: 23:13. 2009 brought another PR at the 100 mile distance! Amazing. Lean Horse 100, a dream come true. What holds for 2010?